Decluttering can feel like an insurmountable task, especially when you’re juggling toddlers, a baby, and everything else that comes with being a mom. But don’t worry, the process doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming.
With a few simple strategies, you can clear the clutter in your home and create a space that feels calmer and more organized.
Here are 13 practical tips to help you declutter without the stress, so you can feel more at ease in your home.
1. Tackle One Room at a Time
Trying to declutter the whole house in one go is bound to make you feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re already balancing so many other things. Instead, start small by focusing on one room at a time. Choose a room that will give you the most satisfaction once it’s cleaned up, like the living room or your bedroom.
Breaking it down into smaller tasks will make the process feel more manageable. For example, focus on clearing one drawer or shelf, or dedicate a 15-minute block to organizing a specific area. This way, you’re making tangible progress without feeling like you have to do everything at once.
2. Use the ‘One In, One Out’ Rule
Clutter builds up over time, and a big reason for that is we often bring in new items without getting rid of anything old. A great way to stay on top of things is to follow the ‘One In, One Out’ rule. This means that for every new item you bring into your home, whether it’s a toy for the kids, a new piece of clothing, or even a kitchen gadget, make sure to donate or dispose of one item.
This simple habit prevents clutter from accumulating, and it helps you stay mindful of what you already have. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about decluttering and the value of giving things away to those in need.
3. Set a Timer
Sometimes the thought of decluttering an entire room can freeze you in place, especially if you think it’s going to take hours. Instead of diving into a long session, set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and focus only on decluttering during that time. You might be surprised by how much you can accomplish in a short burst of energy.
Setting a timer also creates a sense of urgency, which can help you stay focused and motivated. Once the timer goes off, take a break. This method works well if you feel like you don’t have the time for a full cleaning session but still want to make a noticeable difference.
4. Sort Items Into Categories
Rather than attempting to tackle everything at once, break the decluttering process down into categories like clothing, toys, books, or kitchenware. Sorting by category helps you stay focused, so you’re not distracted by unrelated items while trying to declutter a room.
If you have a lot of kids’ clothes to sort, for example, pull them all out at once so you can get a clear view of what needs to go. By focusing on one category at a time, you can feel accomplished as you finish each batch, and it prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff in your home.
5. Create ‘Keep, Donate, Toss’ Piles
One of the best ways to keep the decluttering process organized is by creating three distinct piles: keep, donate, and toss. This method allows you to make quick decisions about what you truly need and helps you remove the emotional hesitation that often comes with decluttering.
If you’re struggling to let go of items, ask yourself if it serves a purpose in your home or if it sparks joy. Be ruthless with your ‘toss’ pile, and don’t hold onto things out of guilt. For the items you plan to donate, make sure to box them up right away so they’re out of sight and out of mind, ready to be given to someone who can use them.
6. Declutter By Zone
Instead of trying to declutter your entire home, divide it into smaller, more manageable zones. These zones can be entire rooms, like the kitchen or living room, or smaller spaces like a pantry, closet, or even a single shelf. By focusing on one zone at a time, you can make incremental progress that doesn’t feel too overwhelming.
Plus, it helps you stay organized and feel accomplished as you complete each zone. Once you finish one, you’ll have the motivation to move on to the next.
7. Don’t Get Stuck on Sentimental Items
Sentimental items are often the hardest to part with, but holding onto too many of them can create unnecessary clutter. You don’t need to keep every card, photograph, or childhood memento. Instead, be selective about what truly holds significant value to you.
For example, keep the birthday cards that are most meaningful, or create a memory box to store cherished items in a small, organized space. Alternatively, consider finding creative ways to display sentimental items, like framing old family photos or turning kids’ artwork into a rotating gallery. That way, you can honor the memories without letting the clutter take over.
8. Involve Your Kids
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo task! If your toddlers are old enough, get them involved in the process. Make it a fun family activity by turning on some music and setting up a decluttering game. Encourage them to help put away toys, books, or clothes, and let them feel involved in creating a clean, organized space.
It can be a great opportunity to teach your kids the importance of organization and how to take care of their belongings. Plus, getting them involved might make the process feel less like a chore and more like a bonding activity.
9. Make Decluttering a Daily Habit
The key to avoiding overwhelm is to make decluttering a daily habit. Set aside just five or ten minutes a day to tidy up and put things back in their place. By doing this consistently, you’ll prevent the clutter from piling up and taking over your home. You don’t need to spend hours cleaning; it’s the small, consistent actions that make a big difference.
Whether it’s before bed or right after breakfast, make decluttering a part of your routine, and soon it will become second nature.
10. Focus on Flat Surfaces
Flat surfaces like countertops, tables, and shelves are notorious for accumulating clutter. Focusing your attention on these areas first can immediately make your home feel tidier. Clear off the kitchen counter, organize the coffee table, or tidy up the hallway console.
You’ll instantly feel more organized and less overwhelmed, and your home will look cleaner without requiring a lot of time or effort. Once the flat surfaces are clear, it’s easier to focus on the rest of the room and keep the clutter from spreading.
11. Get Rid of Duplicates
We often accumulate duplicates of everyday items like kitchen gadgets, towels, or toys, thinking that we’ll use them “someday.” Take inventory of what you have and get rid of anything that you don’t need or use regularly.
For example, if you have multiple spatulas or too many bath towels, keep only the ones that serve a purpose. This not only helps clear space in your home but also makes it easier to find what you actually use. Plus, it’s a good reminder to be more intentional about what you bring into your home moving forward.
12. Use Storage Bins
Storage bins are a mom’s best friend when it comes to organizing small items and reducing clutter. Invest in bins, baskets, or boxes to store everything from toys to office supplies. Label each container so you know exactly what’s inside, and stack them neatly in closets or under beds.
This keeps your home looking tidy while allowing you to keep a lot of items in storage without overwhelming your space. Plus, bins make it easier to quickly tidy up when you need to – just toss things in and move on with your day!
13. Set Realistic Expectations
Decluttering doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Don’t expect to have everything perfectly organized by the end of the week. Celebrate the small wins, like clearing off a shelf or donating a bag of clothes. Recognize that decluttering is an ongoing process, and it’s okay if you don’t finish everything in one go.
Being patient with yourself and accepting that it takes time will help you stay motivated and less stressed. Over time, you’ll notice a big difference in how your home feels, and that’s worth celebrating.
